DAMASCENE
2021 Syrah Stellenbosch
| Grapes | Syrah |
| Colour | Red |
| Origin | South Africa, Stellenbosch |
| Village | Stellenbosch |
| ABV | 13% |
Dark-fruited and mineral-driven with a peppery and dusty nose of cherry blossom and spiced plum essence, the 2021 Stellenbosch Syrah will need some additional time in the bottle. Medium-bodied, the palate is agile and fresh, offering elegant black peppercorn spices with floral essences before showing a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins and a firm tannic grip. This Syrah concludes with a food-friendly finish and lingering mineral tension. Give it time to develop in the bottle, and begin enjoying it in 2025. Rating: 94 Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)
| 12 | ||
*Case price discount: Mix any 12 bottles of wine (or 9 litre equivalent) or 6 bottles of Champagne, Spirits, Sweet Wine or Fortified (4.5 litres) to get the discounted 'case price' for each bottle.
If South Africa has a Grand Cru Syrah site, it is arguably Karibib, the main source of this superb red from Jean Smit. Blended with a 20% portion of Bottelary Hills grapes, it has violet and incense aromas, a palate of garrigue and tapenade, granitic freshness, fresh meat and blackberry flavours undertones of clove and black pepper. Drinking range: 2025 - 2032 Rating: 96 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2023)
Grapes from three sites all on granite soils. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black berries, potpourri, cured meat and pepper on the nose while the palate shows good fruit density, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Great clarity and balance – seamlessly assembled. Rating: 96 www.winemag.co.za (Oct 2022)
Damascene
Damascene is a seriously exciting new find for us in South Africa. Their maiden vintage here was 2018 and we were blown away by the results. 2019, their second vintage was sold out on release, read the press release HERE.
The highly acclaimed Jean Smit, previously winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof, has teamed up with David Curl, former owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Gaby.
Their goal is to explore all across the South African winelands in search of exceptional sites. Sites that deliver an important moment of insight, and hence the name of the project. A Damascene moment of clarity, where we can all understand the greatness of these small, prized plots.
The vineyards are old and well established but small, so each of these brilliant wines is only released in very small quantities. We urge you to catch them while you can.
- For full delivery details see our Delivery page.
- We offer free nationwide* delivery for all orders over £150 with our own vans. We also offer an express delivery service for an additional charge.
- Order & Collect from any of our 5 London shops. Order by Midnight for collection the next working day from 11am.
- Private wine storage: we offer a full In Bond and Duty Paid private wine storage service - find out more here.
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This is a fragrant and refined red with gorgeous fruit and spice aromas like blackcurrants, small blue plums, sandalwood, licorice and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied, very fine and precise. Long, elegant finish. Drink or hol...(read more)
James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com
2020 DAMASCENE Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch
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Cabernet Sauvignon.
Displaying beautiful oak aromas with fresh, red fruit tones, the 2020 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is spicy with notes of cranberry skin and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the palate offers a firm, rocky minerality tha...(read more)
Anthony Mueller, The Wine AdvocateORDER COLLECT
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